All right – so the whole Mike DuBose topic is a bust, as I realized when I saw Tracey’s comment asking who he is. Maybe I’m a little too immersed in football for my own good. So, moving on to Idol-y goodness. I’m way overdue on this topic, I admit.
The hardest thing for me at this stage in the Idol game is that I can’t remember many names, although I do have some definite favorites. I’ll get to those in a minute.
First of all, I really like American Idol once it gets down to the field of 24. I like parts of the audition process. But when I see contestants who have a sense of entitlement, who argue with the judges, who vow that they don’t NEED American Idol because they’re gonna “blow up” and go triple platinum and by the way, who the bleepity-bleep does bleeping Paula Abdul think she bleeping is, I have to fight REAL hard not to go out back, pick the thinnest, longest switch I can find, hunt down those ungrateful young’uns and TEAR THEM UP. Whatever happened to humility?
It’s that attitude of being owed something, that attitude of being better than everyone else that just drives me straight over the edge. I’m sure that Precious Baby’s mama told her how perfect she was from the time she was born, but just because your mama loves to hear you sing doesn’t mean that anyone else will. I mean, Mama and Daddy used to smile at me when I’d have to jump down an octave just to get through a chorus of “Oh How I Love Jesus,” but never for one second did they delude me with the notion that I had any sort of talent. Somebody needs to be honest with their young’uns and quite parading them down the pageanty path. Because I’ll guarantee you that somewhere in most of these bitter young girls’ pasts are several failed attempts at becoming Miss Cutie Patootie Petite Princess of Dixie. But that, as they say, is another soapbox for another day.
Second of all, I’m tired of people trying out for the show just to get a laugh. It’s not funny anymore. So stop it.
Third, the twins from Memphis? The ones who should have a comma and the words “Drama King” as a permanent suffix to their names? The ones who don’t seem to be able to get out of bed in the morinng without finding ways to draw attention to themselves? The ones who fancy themselves God’s gift to the music industry? The ones who seem to think they know all the ins and outs of getting a record deal (which, by the way, wouldn’t they, you know, HAVE a record deal if they knew so much)? Well, I don’t know if y’all have heard or not, but I think we’ll be spared from seeing them go much further in the competition, because apparently they have a few legal issues that require their immediate attention.
Okay – let’s turn that frown upside down and focus on the positive. And there are links below if you’re trying to get up-to-speed.
I adore Taylor Hicks, the guy who’s pushing 30, prematurely gray and actually from right here in Alabama. He has this surprisingly soulful voice, seems grounded, humble, and thankful for the opportunity. I don’t know if he’ll skew young enough to get any votes, but he’ll for sure get mine. He’s my favorite. If he doesn’t go far, then Sister, maybe you could make some calls to help a good Southern boy, and I’ll just leave it at that.
The cute girl named Paris Bennett? The tiny little thing who auditioned singing Billie Holiday? Love her.
And this guy? Will Makar? Adorable. Awesome voice. Headed for the top 5, if you ask me.
I’m curious to know what y’all think. Any favorites? Don’t care? Let me know.
Thursday update: here’s a link to all the contestants’ info.
Thanks, Daph!
I’ve never watched one episode.
Last year’s winner has been in town and she is DARLING. I’m sure your boy, Taylor, is, too. However, I just can’t tolerate the show week after week.
Remind me when the finals come around and I’ll try and check it out. :)
Boomama,
Please don’t bar me from your blog, but I, too have never watched a single episode of American Idol. The only time I have even seen portions or clips of the show was when I was forced to by circumstances beyond my control. Definitely not my thing. Food Network, now, and Paula Deen, we can find some common ground right there, lol.
Did you make the dumplin’s yet?
i love it!! my whole family loves it!! i am with you sophie, but you left out ace. he is so cute!!! simon rules!!! out-
Oh, BooMama, I am right there with you. Idol is my definite guilty pleasure. J even gets on to the kids when they distract me on Tues. and Wed. nights from 7 til 8. Good man.
I like Taylor Hicks, too. But, he almost overdid it when he was in with the judges last night. The whole Joe Cocker thing is a little much. Like Paris. Like that Pickler girl. Not a fan of Brenna.
Oh, yeah, don’t let T-Riels (also known as Swoop in some ancient circles) keep you from posting your varied sports thoughts. Do it for me. :)
AND T-Riels is RIGHT! Ace is a hottie!
Last time. I almost forgot Mandisa from Antioch, Tenn. Love her.
http://www.idolonfox.com/contestants/mandisa/
One more thing, Daph. Good call about the Taylor / Joe Cocker thing. There was a part of me that wanted to reach in the television, grab him by the shoulders, and say, “Stop it. It’s too much. Stop it.”
I still love his voice, though.
LOVE Mandisa. LOVE HER. Love the way she handled Simon last night. And she’s beautiful, to boot. She has the purest voice of any of the girls, I think.
T-Riels gone SWOOOP DOWN on Ace. SWOOOP DOWN.
I’d forgotten that expression, but now it will be in my head all day long. And yes, Ace is a handsome young man.
By the way, everytime Kelly Pickler is on the screen, D says, “Pick Pickler! Pick Pickler!” So now I feel that is her slogan.
I love love love American Idol. Don’t like Brenna, love Taylor, and I also love that little 16 year old Kevin — when you look at him you’d never know he had that kind of voice — such an unexpected surprise. Love the Pickler girl and Paris.
I have found that if you watch at least 4 episodes in a row it makes for a much more interesting evening. Thank God for Tivo! It’s almost as good as Miss America in the 80’s, sans the evening gowns of course! My top five are Paris, Ace, Gedeon, Kellie (unfortunate spelling!), and Mandissa. Chris may be a surprise underdog though.
He comments! Careful you don’t do too much technology too quickly, Bubba – you might give yourself a migraine. I think Gedeon is a little too sure of himself – but he’s good. I think Chris will do well. He stands out from the rest. I do SO look forward to your commentary during the AI season. As always, I remain – (remember that?)
It WAS a HUGE stretch for me!
Ok, so I got on the AI website. And my apologies to anyone to whom this might offend, BUT did anyone catch Kellie’s (still an unfortunate spelling ) middle name? It’s DAWN! Makes me think of Stacy, because I know he would HOOT over that! I’m just not sure I can support KELLIE DAWN PICKLER as the next AI.
And as always, (lol) I remain….
Bubba